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Joe Lawrence Obituary
July 1, 1943 - September 23, 2025
Columbia, South Carolina - Joe Marion Lawrence, Jr., 82, of Columbia, SC passed away on September 23, 2025 after a short battle with Leukemia. Born on July 1, 1943, he was the son of Joe Marion Lawrence, Sr. and Celeste Hersey Lawrence.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Miller Lawrence. He was predeceased by his daughter Margaret "Molly" Lawrence Roddey and son Joe "Jody" Marion Lawrence, III. He is also survived by his brother Charles "Chuck" Lawrence and his wife Donna, his children Michael (Nathalia) and Monica Chandler. Also surviving him are his grandchildren; Frank IV, William and Elizabeth Roddey, his best buddy as he called him Michael Abram Chandler and his littlest one Chandler Lawrence Vacha, nephews Todd (Kim), Cody (Corinna) and John (Miranda) Lawrence, along with many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Joe graduated from Dreher High School in 1961 and attended The University of South Carolina. He retired from The State newspaper and served six years in the Air National Guard. He was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church for over 50 years. His biggest joy was working with the Youth Mission Project for more than 30 years serving the people of Hollywood, SC. He was a member of the George Huggins' Sunday School class and served as past president.
Joe loved the Gamecocks and enjoyed many years going to football, men and women's basketball but the best ones were going to Omaha to see our baseball team not only play but to see them win their second national championship. He enjoyed traveling to Germany and Maui but his favorite was going to Alaska and visiting Denali National Park. Joe loved hunting and cherished his time at "The Cabin" with his buddies Charlie, Johnny and several others. Time spent in a deer stand was time spent with nature.
We would like to thank the staff at SCOA, Lexington Medical Infusion and MUSC on Forest Drive for their excellent care.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 2 pm at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Shandon Youth Mission Project in care of Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Lawrence
Lissa Andrade
October 12, 2025
Joe was such a wonderful man and will truly be missed. My heart goes out to your beautiful family.
Penny
October 3, 2025
Peggy,
Will be keeping you in my prayers. So sorry for your loss!
Penny-Ramsey Sox
JacqueLyn S Morgan
October 2, 2025
Peggy so sorry to see the passing of Joe. I know we haven't seen each other in a long time, but I wanted to reach out to you and let you know I am praying for you. Joe was my neighbor when we both lived on Byron Rd.
Gary and Carol Ward
October 2, 2025
Peggy, you're in our thoughts in this difficult time. I have good memories of working with Joe at The State IT department. He was always cheerful and helpful. I can hear him now saying "knock, knock" when coming by my office. Peace and good memories to you.
Bill Byrd
October 1, 2025
Chuck, so sorry to hear about the death of your brother Joe. The times I met him, he was so very nice. I know you will miss him and his positive force.
Helen Bradberry
September 30, 2025
Joe was one of the nicest people I have ever known
Lamar and Louise Oldham
September 29, 2025
We have good memories of Joe as we enjoyed Carolina football, basketball, and baseball, especially the college World Series in 2011. Joe was a pleasure even when the Gamecocks weren´t winning. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Harry Shealy
September 27, 2025
Joe and I were childhood friends but kept in touch occasionally. Joe was good man and he will be missed.
George Leonard
September 27, 2025
I have many fond memories of Joe M. but the family memories we shared at Papa Lawrence house churning ice cream is one at the top of my list. I didn't spend at lot of time with him once we got older but he will be missed.
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South Carolina Cremation Society - West Columbia3223 Sunset Boulevard Suite 104, West Columbia, SC 29169
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